Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Council, and all the affiliate unions have joined their counterparts across the country to protest what they described as incessant killings and maiming of innocent Nigerians in all parts of the country, especially Nigerian workers.Â
The workers, who protested against insecurity ranging from kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism, were led by the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Humphery Nwafor and supported by the Vice Chairman of NLC, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Nweke.
Other labour leaders at the protest included the State President of NULGE, Comrade Eucharia Uyanwune, NULGE National Trustee, Comrade Muo Victor, the State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, the Secretary of the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU), Comrade Egwumba Kingsley, among others.
The protesters took off from the NLC Secretariat along Regina Caeli Road and marched across streets in the state capital city of Awka, to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the insecurity in the country.
Addressing journalists before the protest, Comrade Nwafor, said the protest was their own way of drawing the attention of the federal government to the worsening security situation across the country.
He said the action represents a collective cry of anguish and a patriotic call to action over the worsening state of insecurity in the country.
“The Nigerian worker can no longer remain silent in the face of relentless bloodshed, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, communal clashes, and other violent crimes that continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and national cohesion.
“From rural communities to urban centres, Nigerians now live in fear-uncertain of their safety at workplaces, on highways, in farms, schools, markets, and even within the supposed safety of their homes. As the umbrella body of Nigerian workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress considers the protection of lives and property as fundamental to productivity, economic stability, and social progress.
“A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens cannot sustain development, attract investment, or secure a dignified and prosperous future for its workforce.
“Across Nigeria, workers are among the worst victims of this growing insecurity. Many have lost colleagues, loved ones, and their means of livelihood. Businesses are shutting down, agricultural production is declining, transportation costs are escalating, and inflationary pressures are intensifying-largely driven by pervasive insecurity. Once again, it is the working people and the poor who bear the heaviest burden of this national crisis.
“This peaceful protest rally is neither an act of hostility nor a declaration of confrontation against government. Rather, it is a constitutional, lawful, and moral demand for urgent, decisive, and coordinated action to address the security challenges confronting our nation. We call on the Federal Government to significantly strengthen its efforts, provide adequate support, modern equipment, and welfare for our security personnel, and adopt more effective strategies, as the measures currently in place have proven insufficient to guarantee the safety of citizens across the country.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to peaceful engagement, national unity, and the collective struggle for a safer, just, and more secure Nigeria where workers and citizens can live and work without fear,†Nwafor said.
